I currently am shopping for an engagement ring.
I’m set on using Blue Nile, as I have a credit account with them already.
Just to confirm: are you looking for a round diamond?
I’m between round and cushion. I have really liked the look of the Double Halo ring. Thoughts on this diamond?
I’m trying to be discreet in finding out my girlfriends ring size. Since I’m planning on asking her in about 5 weeks, it would be too obvious to ask her ring size now. What’s the best way? 🙂
I want something that is the “best bang for buck” so to speak…what I should be spending more cash on vs not. Is clarity more important than weight (like between the two I selected), or what?
I’d be interested to see what you think about Astor classified cuts over standard ideal cuts as well.
I’d like to keep my budget at no higher or around $11,000 ideally.
1) The setting you picked is beautiful and I really like it, but unfortunately, I am unable to help you with figuring out your girlfriend’s size. Does she have any close friends you could ask? One of our readers measured his girlfriend’s finger in her sleep 🙂
2) Unfortunately, the diamond you sent me is not a good option. It’s poorly cut and will be less brilliant. I wouldn’t go with the “Very good” cut. For a round brilliant I wouldn’t settle for anything less than an EX (Ideal) cut as the cut is what makes the diamond brilliant and beautiful.
Something like this is going to look much better:
Blue Nile LD08851801
I searched in the SI+ range and these two happened to be the best eye-clean options I found.
3) As much as we love Blue Nile, we don’t really pay attention to their Astor cuts as we don’t find them consistently more brilliant than our own selection. The cut of the stones I’m sending you is fantastic. So there’s no need to worry about that.
was able to go about it in a roundabout way and found she’s a 4.5 in size. 🙂
Is there any particular reason cushions are cheaper than round? At least, in looking at Astor cuts yesterday they are.
What does SI+ refer to? Slight inclusion? I read up a lot last night on your site. I understand that cut is now more important than anything above all.
…
In looking at the two you sent me, the slightly heavier diamond is the cheaper of the two. What am I missing as to the reasoning of that? In your opinion, which is the better value for what you get between the two? I guess when we’re only talking $100 it’s not that much difference.
Generally, round diamonds are the most expensive of all diamond shapes. It’s because they are the most brilliant and also look the largest.
SI means slightly included. But the actual clarity grade is not so important. Clarity grade only tells you the size of the inclusion. That is one factor in determining eye-cleanliness. But harshness, location and reflection matter as well. You can find an SI1 diamond that’s eye-clean as well as a VS2/VS1 that’s not. There is no rule. I never recommend a VS1 or a VVS2 diamonds unless there’s a good reason for it (e.g. it’s cheaper than SIs that are not eye-clean).
I have no idea why they’re priced this way. It happens more often than you think. The prices always depend on the particular supplier, all aspects of the stone, fluorescence, angles and proportions, types and location of inclusions, etc.
Personally, I like the 1.30ct better. Both diamonds are excellent options, but the cut on the 1.30ct is very close to what we consider Super Ideal.
Thanks for all of this help!
I’m learning a lot. 🙂
I guess aside from you liking what you see in the 1.3, it’s probably best even if more expensive because we don’t have a photo of the 1.32. It’s just a sample.
Unless you have more to add, I guess we’ve found the one!
I don’t think that’s the reason. The diamond is a VVS2, as long as you have the GIA report, it’s fine.
But if you think the 1.30ct is the one, I agree! It really is beautiful.
As someone unfamiliar with diamonds this has all been a learning experience, so thanks for bearing with me.
I really appreciate all the work you did to help me in finding this diamond. It was an immense help, and I am sticking with it. In an interesting change of fate I was able to find the diamond (same GIA report and all) available on Yadav for $1,081 cheaper. I contacted Blue Nile about this and they price matched, bringing the cost of the diamond down from $7,933 to $6,852.
I think that’s a really great deal on an excellently cut diamond, and I’m happy with this purchase.
[answerI’m glad that you got such a great deal on that diamond. It worked out perfectly.
If you can also write me back once you receive the ring, that would be great. I’d love to know how you like it in person.
[/answer]
Attached is a photo of the diamond and setting per your request 🙂
The ring is absolutely stunning! Great picture.
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
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